Immunohistochemical Expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin-18 and BCL-2 in Wistar rats testes treated with Rauwolfia vomitoria, Chlorpromazine and Co-administration of Reserpine, Ascorbate and Zinc

Aim: The expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin-18, and BCL-2 proteins in Wistar rats testes was studied using Rauwolfia vomitoria RV extract, Chlorpromazine (CPZ), and combination of Reserpine, Ascorbate, and Zinc (RAZ).Methods: Forty-five eight weeks old male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were selected into nine groups of five rats each. Group A was the control group, animals in groups B and C received 10 and 20 mg/kg of chlorpromazine respectively, animals in groups D and E received 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of reserpine respectively, animals in groups F and G received 150 and 300 mg/kg of RV leaf extract respectively while groups H and I animals received (2.5:5:100) mg/kg and (5:10:200) mg/kg of combination of RAZ respectively. All compounds were administered orally for 56 days.Results: Chlorpromazine and reserpine treated rats showed weak immunoreactivity to ki-67 and strong positive immunoreactivity to cytokeratin and BCL-2 proteins while RVand combination of RAZ treated rats showed weak positive immunoreactivity to cytokeratin and BCL-2 and strong immunoreactivity to ki-67. Furthermore, slight significant increase in germ cell proliferation index was seen in RV and RAZ treated groups when compared with CPZ and RES treated groups while significant decrease in germ cell apoptotic index and immature sertoli cell index were seen in RV and RAZ treated groups when compared with CPZ and RES treated groups.Conclusion: This research revealed the reproductive toxicity of synthetic antipsychotic drugs (CPZ and RES) and also unveiled the fertility potential of antipsychotic herb (RV) extract alongside RAZ by reducing the reproductive toxicity that is commonly associated with antipsychotic drugs.